‘Shakespeare In The Parks’ Is Inside – Away From Smoke

Instead of a warm evening under the trees at Sapphire Lutheran Homes' Large Lawn, Montana Shakespeare In The Parks avoided the thick wildfire smoke and has moved their Hamilton performances indoors this week.

The stage for Tuesday night's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Wednesday's "Cymbeline" has been set up in the First Interstate Event Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Though the decision was made shortly before noon Tuesday, the audience "got the word" and showed up, nearly filling the large room. Over 400 people laughed and applauded the troupe, ending with a standing ovation for the actors.

Meanwhile outside, besides the smoke, a fast-moving thunderstorm rolled through the Hamilton area, adding confirmation that moving the performance inside was the right thing to do. And that's where the actors will be again Wednesday with the presentation of Shakespeare's "Cymbeline," a story of intrigue between Britons and Romans, along with mistaken identities, romance, tragedy, action and a little bit of humor thrown in. The show starts at 6 p.m. and, as always, it's free.

If you're attending, you can park your vehicle in the parking areas in the fairgrounds or in the ball field across Fairgrounds Road. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, but you can also use the provided chairs in the Interstate Center. Local sponsorship includes Rapp Famiy Foundation, Farmers State Bank, TrailWEst Bank and Sapphire Lutheran Homes. There will be free water and masks for those who want them at the center. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks travels through 5 states each summer, providing high quality entertainment. Go the play and enjoy!